These amazing air fryer dinner rolls are so easy anyone can make them. No more waiting hours for the dough to rise, these homemade yeast rolls can be on the table in a fraction of the time.
With their golden brown exterior and tender inside, each bite gives you the perfect balance between chewiness and fluffiness. Perfect for everyday dinners, dinner parties, or holidays.
Table of Contents
Homemade Yeast Bread Recipes
There's just no beating the taste of homemade yeast breads! It’s the warm, yeasty aromas that fill the house as it bakes - it’s that first bite of a slice still warm from the oven that has your mouth watering – not to mention the golden brown crust with its soft, pillowy interior that just melts in your mouth.
I love making my own bread and knowing it is made with wholesome ingredients and no preservatives. Whether it’s a simple loaf of French Bread, something quick and easy like Air Fryer Bread, or a bread grandma used to make like this Pan Fried Bread, there's an undeniable satisfaction in knowing you made it yourself!
Why You'll Love These Air Fryer Yeast Rolls
Air fryers heat up and cook food quickly, reducing the overall cooking time. This makes these fluffy dinner rolls a perfect choice for a quick yet delicious addition to any meal.
The unique cooking method of an air fryer creates rolls that are wonderfully soft and fluffy on the inside with a delightful golden-brown crust on the outside. The combination of milk, butter, and sugar in the recipe adds a rich, slightly sweet flavor that complements the yeasty aroma of the rolls.
The recipe is easy to follow, making it suitable for both first time and experienced bakers.
These delicious dinner rolls are versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes, whether it's a casual family meal or a holiday dinner. They pair well with soups, stews, and salads, or can be enjoyed on their own with a bit of butter or jam.
There’s nothing like the aroma of freshly baked bread, and with this bread recipe, you can enjoy that experience any day of the week, with little effort and time.
Ingredients
Here's what you need for making air fryer dinner rolls. The exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.
- Bread Flour - used for fluffier texture
- Rapid Rise Yeast - makes this air fryer roll recipe quick and easy. Do not confuse it with instant yeast.
- Sugar - adds a touch of sweetness
- Salt
- Milk - adds richness to these bread rolls
- Water
- Unsalted Butter - adds flavor and doubles up on the richness
- Salted Butter - for finishing rolls after baking
How to Make Air Fryer Dinner Rolls
Here are the simple steps and photos for making air fryer bread rolls:
- Place bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, milk, and water in a microwave-safe bowl
- Heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until the liquid reaches a temperature of 125°F. Use a digital thermometer for accuracy. Pour into dry ingredients.
- Stir until moistened. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 3-5 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, and mix well.
- Spray the dough ball with cooking oil spray and turn in the greased bowl to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for 10 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Take each dough ball and tuck the sides under then roll on the board until you have a nicely rounded and smooth ball.
- Place a piece of parchment paper in the bottom of the air fryer basket. Spray the parchment paper and sides of the air fryer basket with cooking spray, Place dough balls into the bottom of the basket with the sides of the rolls touching. Spray the tops lightly with oil so they do not dry out while the dough rises.
- Place the basket back into the air fryer and let the dough rise for 45-60 minutes or until when poked with a finger the roll stays indented. The air fryer provides a warm place to help the dough rise. DO NOT TURN ON THE AIR FRYER.
- Air fry dinner rolls at 300°F for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Melt 1-2 tablespoons of regular butter and brush over the top of the warm rolls. Remove to a napkin-lined basket and serve immediately.
These delicious homemade dinner rolls are the perfect side for big family dinners. They're effortless to make and you can be confident that they come out perfect the first time and every time. So share the love and make some for dinner tonight!
Recipe Tips
- Check and Flip for Even Cooking: Around the 12-minute mark, it's a good idea to check the rolls. If you find the bottoms are becoming too moist or soggy, gently flip them over. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the rolls.
- Accurate Temperature Control: For best results, use a digital thermometer to ensure the water, milk, and butter mixture reaches the precise temperature of 125°F. This is crucial for activating the yeast properly and achieving the best rise in your dough.
- Kneading Technique: Whether you're using an electric mixer with a dough hook or kneading by hand, aim for a dough that is smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time until the right consistency is achieved.
- Let the Dough Rest: Don’t rush the 10-minute resting period for the dough. This short rest allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to shape and contributing to the final texture of these delicious rolls.
- Consistent Sizing: When dividing the dough into portions, try to keep them as equal as possible. This ensures uniform cooking and a nice presentation. Use a digital scale for measuring the portions.
- Rising in the Air Fryer: Remember not to turn on the air fryer during the rising time. The enclosed space of the air fryer basket is ideal for letting the dough rise undisturbed.
- Butter Topping: Brushing the rolls with melted butter right after baking not only adds flavor but also gives them a beautiful sheen. Make sure to do this while they're still hot to allow the butter to soak in slightly.
- Adjustments for Different Air Fryers: Be aware that cooking times may vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model. Keep an eye on the rolls towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
Recipe Variations - Flavors and Toppings
- Herb Infusion: Mix in dried or fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the dough for an aromatic twist. This works well for pairing the rolls with Italian or Mediterranean dishes.
- Cheese Delight: Add grated cheese like cheddar, parmesan, or a mix of your favorite cheeses into the dough, or sprinkle it on top before baking for a cheesy variation.
- Sweet Rolls: For a sweeter version, add more sugar to the dough, or mix in ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract. Top with a simple glaze or frosting after baking for a dessert-like treat.
- Garlic Butter Topping: Mix minced garlic into melted butter and brush this over the rolls before and/or after baking for a rich garlic flavor.
- Seeded Crust: Sprinkle the top of the rolls with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or sunflower seeds before baking to add texture and nuttiness.
- Coarse Salt Topping: A sprinkle of coarse sea salt or kosher salt on top before baking can enhance the flavor and add a crunchy texture.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Top the rolls with everything bagel seasoning before baking for a savory and flavorful crust.
- Whole Wheat Twist: Substitute a portion of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for heartier, more nutritious whole wheat dinner rolls.
- Nutty Addition: Add finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough for a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
- Fruit and Spice: Incorporate small dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, along with a hint of spice like cardamom or cinnamon, for a sweet and spiced version.
- Zesty Citrus: Grate some lemon or orange zest into the dough for a subtle citrus flavor, which is especially refreshing in warmer months.
What to Serve with Dinner Rolls
There are so many options for serving dinner rolls that go beyond plain 'ole butter. Here are some ideas:
- Flavored Butter: Homemade flavored butter, such as honey butter, herb butter, garlic butter, or even spicy chipotle butter for a kick are all delicious options.
- Jams and Preserves: Pair the rolls with an assortment of jams, preserves, or marmalades.
- Cream Cheese Spreads: Serve with various cream cheese spreads, which can be flavored with ingredients like chives, smoked salmon, or roasted red peppers for a creamy and savory option.
- Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: A classic dip of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs, offers a simple yet elegant choice.
- Hummus and Other Dips: Hummus, whether classic or flavored varieties like roasted red pepper or garlic, makes a great spread. You can also include other dips like tzatziki, spinach dip, or a warm cheese dip.
- Nut Butters and Honey: For a nutty twist, offer almond butter, cashew butter, or peanut butter. Drizzling honey over nut butter on a warm roll is a comforting treat.
- Pesto: A jar of classic green basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto can be a flavorful addition, perfect for a more savory palate.
- Tapenade or Bruschetta Topping: A savory olive tapenade or a fresh tomato bruschetta topping can transform the roll into a gourmet appetizer.
- Delicatessen Meats and Cheeses: Pair the rolls with a selection of cold cuts, salami, prosciutto, or fine cheeses for a mini sandwich option.
- Sweet Spreads: For those with a sweet tooth, chocolate spread, caramel, or fruit curds (like lemon or lime curd) can be a decadent option.
These suggestions cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that there's something for everyone at the table to enjoy with their delicious homemade dinner rolls.
How to Store and Freeze Homemade Rolls
Room Temperature Storage:
Place the cooled leftover rolls in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store the air fryer rolls at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Properly stored, fresh dinner rolls typically stay good for about 3 days.
Refrigerator Storage:
While refrigerating is not generally recommended for bread products as it can dry them out. If you must refrigerate, wrap them tightly to minimize exposure to air. Rolls stored in the refrigerator can last up to a week, but they might lose some of their freshness and soft texture.
Freezing Dinner Rolls
Ensure the rolls are completely cool before freezing. This prevents condensation and ice crystals from forming. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight container. Dinner rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality
To thaw, leave the rolls at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.
How long do dinner rolls stay fresh?
- Freshly baked dinner rolls are best enjoyed within 2-3 days of baking when stored at room temperature.
- They will stay fresh for about a week if refrigerated, though this might affect their texture.
- For longer storage, freezing is the best option, preserving their quality for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Dinner Rolls
To warm the rolls, you can reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until they're warm and slightly crisp on the outside.
More Air Fryer Dinner Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Air Fryer Cornish Hen
- Air Fryer Filet Mignon
- Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Find lots of quick and easy air fryer recipes right here on 2CM!
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Air Fryer Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
- 3 cups bread flour (a few tablespoons extra may be need to get a smooth, non-sticky dough)
- 1 package rapid rise yeast
- 2 ½ Tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup warm water
- ¾ cup milk
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter for bushing on top after baking
Instructions
- Mix flour with rapid-rise yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Heat water, milk & 4 tablespoons unsalted butter to 125°F. Use a digital thermometer for accuracy.
- Stir warm liquids into the dry ingredients mixture.
- Using an electric mixer with a dough hook, knead for 3-5 minutes on medium speed or until smooth and elastic. (Speed 2 on a KitchenAid.) You can also knead by hand on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes. Add flour as needed for a dough that is smooth and does not feel sticky.
- Spray the dough lightly with oil, turn in the mixing bowl to coat, then cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Punch down the dough, place on a lightly floured surface, and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll the portions into balls by turning under ends and lightly rolling on a floured surface.
- Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper. Spray both the sides and the parchment paper with cooking oil spray.
- Place the 12 balls of dough into the bottom of the basket with the sides of the rolls lightly touching each other. Spray the tops of the rolls lightly with oil. Close the air fryer and allow the dough to rise for 45-60 minutes. DO NOT TURN ON THE AIR FRYER!
- When the dough has risen fully, turn the air fryer to 300°F and bake for 15-18 minutes or until rolls are golden brown on top.
- Melt the 2 tablespoons of salted butter and brush it on top of the rolls while they are still hot.
- Turn out into a napkin-lined basket, divide the rolls, and serve.
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